Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] The Origins of Mardi Gras in France. Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”) is originally a catholic event that marks the end of the “week of the seven fat days”.. They were known as “jours charnels” (meaning carnival) in the old days. The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana. They held a Mardi Gras is a festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. Mardi Gras. (n.) "Shrove Tuesday, last day of carnival, day of eating and merrymaking before the fasting season of Lent," 1690s, French, literally "fat Tuesday," from mardi "Tuesday" (12c. in Old French, from Latin Martis diem "day of the planet Mars;" see Tuesday) + gras "fat," from Latin crassus, "thick," which is of unknown origin. The Origins of Mardi Gras. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals, particularly the pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. These festivals, held in midwinter, were marked by feasting, drinking, and a general sense of chaos and social reversal, during which societal rules were temporarily relaxed. As Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in France. Marking the culmination of the Carnival season, it’s a time for indulgence, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s dive into its origins, folklore, modern festivities, and culinary delights. The origins of Mardi Gras In French, Mardi means “Tuesday” and gras means “fat.” That’s why the day is also referred to as Fat Tuesday. That’s why the day is also referred to as Fat Tuesday. The word originated in France and was what people used to describe the day before Ash Wednesday, when they would binge on rich foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and cheese When is Mardi Gras 2025? Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is on Tuesday, March 4 this year. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. Like Ash Wednesday and Easter, Mardi Gras' date changes Brian Costello, author of Carnival in Louisiana: Celebrating Mardi Gras from the French Quarter to the Red River, writes, "The Carnival season and Mardi Gras day trace their roots from the Bacchanalia and Saturnalia ritual promiscuity of Roman times. With the spread of Christianity, similar revelry occurred during the period of carnival (Latin Mardi Gras in New Orleans In the heart of New Orleans, where jazz notes linger and the aroma of delectable treats fills the air, King Cakes stand as symbols of joy, unity, and indulgence. These oval-shaped wonders, adorned in royal hues of purple, green, and gold, carry profound significance, symbolizing justice, growth, prosperity, and wealth The tradition of Mardi Gras was introduced to New Orleans by French settlers who arrived in the city in the late 17th century. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the city took place in 1699, when French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville arrived at a spot along the Mississippi River that would become New Orleans and held a small celebration to mark the occasion. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Some point to 1699 as year the first American Mardi Gras was held, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed about 60 miles south of present-day New Orleans The word "Mardi Gras" comes from the French phrase "Mardi Gras," meaning "Fat Tuesday." The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the United States took place in 1703 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The most famous Mardi Gras parade in the United States is the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, featuring colorful floats, costumed riders, and throws. Mardi Gras BEGAN IN FRANCE The celebration of Mardi Gras came to North America from France where it had been celebrated since the Middle Ages. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. Mardi Gras is a French term meaning “Fat Tuesday.” The holiday originally began in medieval Europe as a way to enjoy the last of the fatty foods before the Lenten season of fasting began. In the United States, Mardi Gras is most associated with the city of New Orleans, where the holiday has been celebrated since the early 18th century. The origins of Mardi Gras date back even further to medieval Europe and it celebrates the period before Lent, masked balls flourished under French rule in the late 1700s, but were later banned Mardi Gras Doubloon Learn more about this iconic parade throw. What makes New Orleans Mardi Gras parades unique from— and much more fun than—parades across the country is simple: active crowd participation.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |